Hello all Storm here with a new chapter! Here we'll be seeing Naruto and May finally leaving Route 111 and arriving on Route 112, where they'll get some much needed rest, as well as seeing them grow even closer. So, without further ado.
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"Finally! We're finally out of the desert!" May cheered, unable to help herself as she and Naruto left Route 111 and arrived on Route 112.
With the seemingly endless desert now being replaced by grasslands, mountains, and a few scattered forests, much to their relief at seeing something other than sand and rocks.
"No kidding. It makes me really glad I didn't have to travel through there before, on my way to Littleroot Town. Moving through a desert just once is one too many times for me." Said Naruto, with the brunette nodding in agreement, hoping that they won't have to travel through Route 111 again.
"That we can agree on. Along with how much I hate sand, now! I don't think I can even handle going to the beach ever again, if it meant dealing with sand!" Said May, patting herself down to remove any sand that's still on her, yet could still feel it rubbing against her skin and in her clothes.
"I don't think anyone likes sand. Who even would?! It's coarse, rough, irritating, and it gets everywhere! And anyone who says they do like sand is probably insane!" Naruto added in agreement, sitting down to take off his shoes and socks to remove any sand that got in them.
Once the two did their best in getting rid of any sand that was stuck to them and in their clothes, they continued on their way down Route 112. Though moving at a more calm pace now that they didn't have to worry about any oncoming sandstorms or escaping cursed ruins.
"Well the good news is that it shouldn't take long for us to reach Lavaridge Town. It looks like it's a straight path now." May said, smiling in relief after pulling out the PokéNav and checking how much father it was to Lavaridge Town.
"That's good, it'll be nice to reach the Pokémon Center there and get some rest. Even better I've heard that Lavaridge is supposed to have famous hot springs, given how close it is to Mt. Chimney." Said Naruto, making the brunette's smile grow.
"That makes it even better! Being able to sleep in actual beds and relaxing in a hot spring, now I really can't wait to get there!" Said May, loving the idea of them being able to get some rest and relaxation after everything.
The whiskered blonde nodded in agreement, liking the idea of being able to take a break after traveling through the desert and then escaping Mirage Tower.
"Yeah, it'll be nice to take a break from all the excitement. Though it'd also be good to get some training done along the way with Zoroark, Kirlia and Combusken having evolved, along with getting started on Duskull and Yamask." Naruto said, with May nodding at this, knowing it'll be good to start training their newly evolved Pokémon and the ones they caught.
As the two walked down the path, they soon entered one of the scattered forests, with them spotting a few wild Pokémon the trees or in the bushes. Some of them stopping to stare at the two Trainers, while others instantly took off running at the sight of them. The sight made Naruto and May smile at seeing all the Pokémon, glad to see ones that weren't being controlled or twisted by some curse.
Though Naruto soon spotted something through the trees.
"Hey May, come here." Naruto said, motioning May to follow him, getting the brunette's attention.
"What is it?" Questioned May as they moved off the path and into the trees, with the two soon stepping into a large clearing in between the trees.
"Seems like a good spot to get some training done, doesn't it." Naruto stated with a smile, knowing this would be a good spot for them to continue their training, with May smiling and nodding in agreement.
"Definitely. Come on out, Combusken, Yamask!" Said May, releasing her Pokémon.
"You too Zoroark, Kirlia, Trapinch, and Duskull!" Naruto said, letting his team out as well.
The Pokémon looked around to see if there was anyone to battle, before looking to their Trainers when they didn't see anyone else.
"Okay, I'm sure all of you are still tired from everything that happened in the tower, but it'll be good to continue training. Especially with Zoroark, Kirlia and Combusken having evolved, you three will need to get used to your new bodies. You'll also need mental training Zoroark, so you don't get overwhelmed by negative emotions, again." Said Naruto, looking at the three evolved Pokémon.
"Kirlia." Kirlia nodded to her Trainer, eager to show how much stronger she now is.
"Zoro." Zoroark nodded as well, understanding that he needed additional training, feeling how much more intense its own negative emotions have become after evolving.
"As for you Trapinch, given all the battling we did in Mirage Tower, I'm sure we're already a good enough team when it comes to battling. So we'll be able to start on you learning some new moves and unlocking your Egg Moves." Naruto said, turning to the Ant Pit Pokémon.
"Pinch!" Trapinch stomped his feet eagerly, liking the chance of learning new attacks, while hoping that he'll also be able to evolve soon.
"And for you Duskull, we'll be working on getting in sync with each other during battles along with working on your current ones, once we do that we'll move onto learning new moves. You can also help Zoroark learn some Ghost-type moves as well, since we're still working on him learning Shadow Ball." Said Naruto, looking at his newest Pokémon.
"Duskull." Duskull nodded while turning to Zoroark, the Baneful Fox Pokémon looking at him as well before nodding in return.
"The same goes for you Combusken, we'll need to get you used to your new body since I'm sure you'll be moving a lot differently now with how much bigger you are, and having actual arms. But it also means you'll be able to learn a lot of different moves now, too" Said May, smiling at her Starter.
"Combusken!" Combusken nodded to her Trainer, ready to continue training and learning more attacks.
"And for you Yamask, like with Duskull we'll need to work on getting in sync before learning any new attacks, and mastering what you can already do." May said, turning to her new Pokémon.
"Mask." Yamask nodded as well, happy at the chance to work with her new Trainer before taking part in any battles.
May also hoped to try working on combining attacks together, remembering the Contest she saw in Mauville City and how Coordinators combined moves to put performances. The brunette wanted to try doing the same, both to use attacks together during battle and if she ever decides to enter Contests herself.
"Alright, then let's get started." Naruto said as they began their training.
*Later*
Naruto and May continued training for a few hours, feeling pleased at the progress they made with Zoroark, Kirlia and Combusken getting used to their new bodies. Learning how they moved differently, the difference in their physical abilities, and how much stronger their attacks were.
With Zoroark having also gotten the hang of using Shadow Ball with Duskull's help, along with Dark Pulse and Extrasensory. Now being able to use them, but still needing training to use them at their full power. Along with mental training that mostly consisted of meditation to control his negative emotions, along with remaining calm while under pressure.
Kirlia had also shown better control and greater power with her attacks, along with moving much faster than when she was a Ralts. Being able to get used to her new body faster than Naruto expected, but figured she knew what to do from seeing her Gardevoir mother move around. He also decided to hold off on having Kirlia learn any new attacks, given she already had a good amount and wanted to have her master them before learning any new ones.
While for Trapinch, Naruto had him work on learning Signal Beam and Bug Bite to give him better variety in attacks besides just Ground-type ones. And after looking up what other moves Trapinch could learn, Naruto decided on Bulldoze, Crunch, and Sandstorm as well. Knowing those moves would be really good, not just for attacking but blinding opponents with Sandstorm. Even better that Trapinch wouldn't be affected by Sandstorm due to being Ground-type.
And for Duskull, the Uzumaki mostly worked on the moves he already knew, making them stronger and faster, getting used to calling out different attacks and commands. As well as some physical training to get caught up to his other Pokémon as well.
May's training proved easier, due to only needing to focus on two Pokémon rather than four.
With Combusken taking some time to get used to how she now moved and could attack, being able to use her arms as opposed to just her feet and beak. The brunette also chose some new attacks for Combusken to learn, having picked Double Kick, Flamethrower, Flame Charge, and Aerial Ace. Knowing they'd be good to give Combusken greater coverage.
And Yamask's training was the same as Duskull's, working on her current attacks to make them stronger and faster, as well as following May's commands when she gives them. Along with her physical abilities to make her stronger and faster.
In addition to that, May had begun thinking over ways to combined her Pokémon's attacks together to make them stronger or create a performance with them. Wanting to think of some ideas before trying anything, not wanting to risk something going wrong.
After a few hours, Naruto and May had stopped training to take a break for lunch.
"I'd say that was a pretty good training session." May stated with a smile, the whiskered blonde nodded in agreement while making lunch.
"It really was, pretty soon Duskull and Yamask may be joining the rest of the training with the progress they made." Said Naruto, grinning at the two Pokémon.
"Dus." Duskull moved around happily at his Trainers praise and liking the idea of being able to train with the others, wanting to learn new attacks as well and grow stronger.
"Yeah, you'll be showing everyone how strong you are in no time, Yamask." Said May, smiling at the Ground/Ghost-type.
"Yamask!" Yamask smiled and nuzzled against her Trainer happily, making May's smile grow as she rubbed Yamask's head.
"By the way May, you looked like you were thinking pretty hard about something during training. What was it?" Naruto asked, looking at the brunette.
"Oh, I was just…thinking about different combos to do with my Pokémon's attacks. Since I figured that combining attacks together could make them stronger or…put on a show with them." May replied, surprising Naruto before he smiled.
"Like in a Contest." Said Naruto, with the brunette nodding in response.
"Yeah, I actually saw one on some T.V.'s back in Mauville City and I really liked how the Coordinators performed with their Pokémon, putting on different displays with their moves. I want to try doing the same, whether for battles or if I ever decide to enter a Contest." Said May, making Naruto nod while still smiling at her.
"That's pretty cool and a good idea, as it'd really throw opponents off if you suddenly combine different attacks together. And if you ever do enter a Contest, I'm sure you'll be amazing in it." Naruto said, surprising May.
"You really think so?" May asked, Naruto nodded in response.
"I know it. You've already shown to be a really strong and talented Trainer, along with being pretty determined when you want to be. So if you did enter Contests, I know you'd really put on a show. But Contests, battles, or the Pokémon League, I'm sure you'd be great at whichever you wanted to do." Said Naruto, making the brunette blush lightly at his confidence in her and touched by his words, before she smiled at him.
"Th-thanks, that really means a lot. And the same goes for you, as you're a really strong Trainer and have worked a lot with your Pokémon. If you entered Contests too, then the audience would really be amazed." Said May, with the whiskered blonde smiling in thanks towards her.
It wasn't long before lunch was finished, with Naruto pouring bowls for him and May, along with fixing some food for their Pokémon.
"Mmmm! If I haven't said it before, you're a really good cook Naruto! Who taught you?" May asked eagerly while devouring the stew, with Naruto smiling, happy she enjoyed the food.
"Thanks May. And Aunt Mikoto taught me, she taught all of us how to cook in preparation for our Journeys. Wanting to make sure we knew all the essentials needed to take care of ourselves, should we ever find ourselves camping in the wilderness." Replied Naruto, knowing Mikoto wanted to make sure all three of her children were capable of looking after themselves.
"Well, she definitely did a good job. But be careful, girls really like a guy that knows how to cook." Said May while winking at the Uzumaki, causing Naruto to blush at her words.
"Does that include you?" Naruto asked without thinking, his blush intensifying at what he said, with the brunette blushing as well.
"U-u-u-u-uh-u-uh…w-w-w-w-w-we-well…" May stuttered, not sure how to respond to that.
Thankfully, she was saved from having to respond when Kirlia suddenly tugged on Naruto's sleeve, making him look at the Emotion Pokémon, only to see her holding her empty bowl towards him.
"Kirlia-Kirlia-Lia-Kirl-Kirlia." Kirlia looked at Naruto, making the whiskered smile.
"You want some more, Kirlia?" Said Naruto, with Kirlia nodding and smiling at him.
"Kirlia!" Kirlia nodded at her Trainer, eager to get some more food.
"It looks like Kirlia likes your cooking, too." May said in amusement while Naruto refilled Kirlia's bowl.
"Then I'm glad, and with how much work you've done, don't worry about asking for more Kirlia. I'd be happy making as much as you want." Naruto said, patting her on the head, making Kirlia smile happily with a faint blush on her cheeks.
"K-Ki-Kirlia!" Kirlia nodded at her Trainer, while enjoying the affection and praise.
"The same goes for the rest of you, if you want more don't hesitate to ask." Added Naruto, looking to the rest of their Pokémon, wanting to make sure they all got their fill with all the training they've done, not to mention how hard they pushed themselves in Mirage Tower.
This made some of the Pokémon eagerly bring their bowls forward, liking the chance to get more food, much to the amusement of Naruto and May.
*Later*
After they finished their lunch, rather than continuing their training or making their way to Lavaridge Town, Naruto and May instead took the time to play and spend time with their Pokémon. Starting with several rounds of hide and seek, with each of them taking a turn as the seeker while everyone else hid.
Before Kirlia then put on a show for them, dancing around the clearing much to their enjoyment at the sight, even more so when some of their other Pokémon joined in. While the Emotion Pokémon was particular pleased her Trainer liked her dancing, having wanted to put on a show for the Uzumaki.
Though, while most of their Pokémon took part in the games, Zoroark preferred staying off to the side, still getting used to controlling himself again and didn't want to risk losing control by getting too excited. But Naruto, May, and the others were able to convince him to join a few times. Particularly during a game where Combusken would create dozens of Will-O-Wisp fireballs in the air, before both Trainers would have their Pokémon hit them and whoever hit the most would win.
They'd kept playing for a few hours before returning their Pokémon after seeing they were starting to get tired, before both Trainers laid down on the ground to watch the clouds. Not wanting to rush to reach Lavaridge Town and instead take things easy.
"Hey Naruto, is it just me or do you hear something that's like…boiling or sizzling?" May asked after a few moments, turning her head towards the whiskered blonde, unable to shake the feeling of hearing something boiling.
"It's not just you, I hear it too but I wasn't sure if my mind wasn't playing any tricks. But yeah, it does sound like something is boiling." Said Naruto, sitting up with a frown as the brunette did the same before they begun to look around for what could be making the sound.
Before they spotted what looked like either smoke or fog rising up from the forest, making them curious of there were other Trainers, nearby. With the two getting up to their feet and heading towards the direction it was coming from, wanting to see what it was.
Only for both Trainers to be surprised when they arrived at the source, finding it was a natural hot spring producing steam and the water being heated to the point it was bubbling.
"Wow…I shouldn't be surprised that there are actually hot springs along the route with how close it is to Mt. Chimney. But I'm surprised there'd be one this close to where we were." Said May, with Naruto nodding in agreement as they approached the water.
Holding a hand over the water to feel how hot it could be, before slowly putting it in, Naruto smiled at how warm it was, along with how good the water felt.
"It looks like we don't have to wait to reach Lavaridge to enjoy a hot spring." Naruto stated, looking at May, wondering if she'd be fine relaxing in the hot spring.
"You won't hear any complaints to me. It'll also give me a chance to try on my swimsuit." May said, smiling eagerly to soak in the hot water and wear her swimsuit.
With Naruto blushing at the image of May wearing different bikinis before quickly shaking his head, not wanting his imagination to go too far.
The two Trainers then went behind some trees to change into their swimsuits, only to stop when they came out and saw what the other was wearing.
'Oh…wow…he's really…' May thought, blushing at seeing Naruto wearing only burnt orange swimming trunks with black flames.
Along with showing off his athletic and lean body, something May had somewhat expected given he said people in Fortree got around by climbing and parkour. So she figured that he'd be in good shape, but seeing it on display made May feel a lot warmer, and not just from the hot spring.
'She's…really…fit…' Thought Naruto blushing as well at the sight of May in a bikini.
With the brunette wearing a dark pink bikini top with thin straps, red frills along the top, and a red bow nestled between her breasts. While the bottoms matched her top, having red frills along the top and around her thighs, and two red bows on either side.
The whiskered blonde's blush intensified when his eyes were unconsciously drawn to her cleavage, seeing how her bra hugged her breasts nicely, making them look bigger than they already were.
Naruto and May stood there for a few moments, neither of them able to resist looking at each other.
"So…uh…should we…send out our Pokémon so…they can enjoy the…water too?" May asked while her eyes moved up and down Naruto's body, making the Uzumaki nod slowly.
"Y-ye-yeah, I'm sure they'd like it." Replied Naruto before the two sent out their Pokémon.
When the Pokémon appeared they looked at their Trainers, with Kirlia immediately blushing brightly when she saw Naruto was only wearing trunks.
"K-Ki-Kir-Kirlia!" Kirlia immediately covered her eyes, embarrassed at seeing her Trainer like this, only to move her arms to peek through.
"Hey guys, we figured you'd want to join us in this hot spring we found. Since it'd really be a good way to relax." Said Naruto as they smiled at their Pokémon.
This made the Pokémon look at the hot spring before Combusken, Kirlia, and Duskull all moved to the water, liking the idea of enjoying a soak in hot water. Zoroark laid down by the edge, preferring to enjoy the heat coming from it. While Trapinch and Yamask laid down in the mud by the hot spring, neither Ground-type Pokémon wanting to get in the water but still enjoyed the heat going through the ground.
"Seems like they really like it." May stated with a smile before she and Naruto got in as well.
Naruto's blush soon returned as May got in the water and the brunette couldn't help but moan at the feeling of the warm water.
"Oh man…this perfect after dealing with that desert and tower. It feels so good~." May said, sighing contently as she sunk into the water.
"Y-yeah, it really does feel good. Especially with all the tension built up while we were in there. Being able to relax and loosen up really helps." Said Naruto, making May look at him, admiring the sight of the water clinging to him.
"I'm sure it does, not to mention with how you've trained to climb and move around in Fortree. It must always be nice to relax, like this." Said May, with Naruto nodding in response.
"Yeah, it really is. Since you can get pretty tense if you move around too much, even more so if you don't stretch to loosen your muscles." Naruto replied/
"I'm sure yours are extra hard." May muttered while looking at his chest and arms.
"What was that?" Said Naruto, looking at her, causing the brunette to blush brightly.
"U-uh, I said…wh-what was it like training in Fortree?! Like…learning to climb trees and parkour through them to get around?!" Said May, wanting to cover up what she said, but also being genuinely curious what it's like growing up in a city built in trees.
"Not as hard as you'd think actually. Since those that grow up in Fortree are used to moving around by climbing up rope ladders and moving across bridges. From there we just progress to being able to jump through the trees and onto platforms to get around. Though it is pretty difficult at first since they can pretty far apart, making it so the younger kids or those that move there usually need to be supervised to make sure they don't get hurt. But there are also spots where you can practice and train, working your way up with how high you climb and how far you need to jump." Naruto explained, much to May's growing intrigue.
"That actually sounds really cool, like it's one giant jungle gym." May said, making Naruto smile in amusement.
"It can be like that. Though the hardest part would be learning parkour, as not only do you need to move fast enough and maintain your speed, you also need to be completely aware of your surroundings at all times. Along with being prepared for any sudden obstacles appearing in your way. As one wrong step can either send you crashing into the ground, into a tree, or into someone else. But once you get the hang of it, it can be really fun to start running, non-stop. To jump, duck, roll, or slide around anything in your way." Replied Naruto, with the brunette smiling at this.
"It does sound fun. In fact, do you think you could teach me? To be able to climb and parkour like you?" May asked, knowing it'd be pretty fun and cool to do all of that.
"Yeah, I could teach you, right now even if you want. I'm sure you'd be really good at it, especially since…uh…well since you…actually look…like you have…a good…body, for it." Said Naruto while smiling at her, before blushing at mentioning her body as May smirked slightly and stood up from the water.
"I have a good body?" Said May, with Naruto unable to help but nod, liking the sight of her body dripping with water.
"Yeah, you do…for climbing and parkour! Since you're really slim and fit looking, you should be able to get the hang of it!" Naruto said, causing May to giggle as she stepped out of the water.
"Don't worry, I don't mind being admired. Besides, you have a great body yourself." Said May, winking at the Uzumaki, making Naruto gulp before getting out of the water as well.
"Th-thanks. So…the first thing to do is to stretch before training. That way you don't have to worry about pulling a muscle while you're running. And after soaking in the hot spring, it should be easier to stretch and work out any kinks." Said Naruto, May nodded in response at this before the two began going through different stretches.
Though as they did so, Naruto still couldn't help but look at May as she stretched, admiring the sight of her moving around and showing off her figure.
"Enjoying the view?" May asked, smirking at the Uzumaki, feeling pleased at how he kept looking at her.
"A pretty girl in a bikini showing off her body like that, yeah I really like the view." Said Naruto, returning the smirk, wanting to tease her as well.
"Well if you like it so much, don't hesitate to ask whenever you want to see it again. Since I do love being admired, especially by such a handsome guy." May replied while purposefully stretching her arms behind her to push her chest out.
"Then I guess it's only fair you can look as much as you like." Naruto said, making the brunette smirk and look him up and down.
"It's a view I'd certain like seeing whenever I want." Stated May as they continued stretching for a few moments, until both felt loose and ready.
"Okay, after stretching we should build up your stamina. Climbing and parkouring won't do you any good if you get tired too quickly." Naruto said, causing May to smirk again.
"And how do we build up my stamina? Any…interesting ideas?" May asked with a flirtatious wink.
"I'm thinking of a lot of ideas we could do together." Said Naruto without thinking, before the two Trainers blushed brightly as they realized they'd unconsciously moved closer to each other.
With them now standing only a few inches apart, before they quickly moved away.
"S-s-so-so-s-so-so-sorry! I'm really sorry!" Naruto said, embarrassed at everything he said and then getting so close to her.
"N-n-no-no-no-no-no-no! I'm sorry, I-I d-di-did kind of start it!" Replied May, feeling just as embarrassed at how she acted.
The two looked away from each other for a few moments, but still couldn't help giving a few quick glances before looking away, until they managed to calm down.
"So…um…a-anyway, we'll build up your stamina with some basic exercises and some running, gradually increasing the amount whenever you get comfortable. That way you don't get overworked." Said Naruto, the brunette nodded in response.
"R-ri-right. Th-then what's first?" Questioned May as they started on the next part of training.
All the while Zoroark, Duskull, Trapinch, Combusken and Yamask rolled their eyes at their behavior, being able to see clearly their Trainers were much closer than they were before. Yet seemed to get embarrassed that they were starting to act on the closeness. None of them understanding the strange human mating rituals.
Though Kirlia couldn't help but feel her eye twitch in annoyance at seeing her Trainers attraction to May, not liking how he kept looking at her. Preferring it if Naruto instead looked at her, wanting him to smile and compliment her, instead. Enjoying how kind and caring he's been since catching her, always encouraging and believing in her to do her best.
And now after evolving, she felt more confident in herself and her strength, eager to show it to her Trainer that she won't let him down. But also desiring more of his attention as well, having really liked it when he watched her dancing for him.
But now he's focused on the brunette and looking at her in ways Kirlia really didn't like.
"Kirlia…" Kirlia's eye twitched again when Naruto and May smiled at each other, making the Emotion Pokémon wonder how she could get her Trainer to look at her like that.
So, what did you think, good. Yep we see Naruto and May arriving on Route 112, much to their relief at being out of the desert, along with agreeing they officially hate sand. Before they continue on their way, enjoying the new landscape they're now in, until they find a good spot to start some more training. With Zoroark, Kirlia, and Combusken getting used to their new bodies, Duskull and Yamask getting trained to the rest of their teams level, and working on some new moves as well.
Then we see them taking a break for lunch and seeing how closer Naruto and May are after their experience in Mirage Tower. With them then playing some games with their Pokémon, taking their time to reach Lavaridge Town to enjoy some peace and relaxation. Before it gets better as they find a natural hot spring nearby, leading to them getting in, after admiring each other in their swimsuits, along with letting their Pokémon enjoy it as well.
Finally we see the two begin flirting lightly, which grows more heated when May asks if Naruto could train her to climb and run like he can, which he agrees to, with their flirting growing more bold until they snap out of it, much to their embarrassment. While their Pokémon roll their eyes as the strange human mating rituals. Aside from Kirlia who's annoyed at how close Naruto is to May and how he looks at her, preferring if he instead looked at her as we also see her having grown closer and more confident after evolving, now desiring to have Naruto look at her instead of May, thinking of ways she can do just that. So, for those that like the story, thanks for your support. For those that don't or at least don't like the direction taken, you're more than welcomed to drop the story. But thanks for giving the story a chance anyway.
Storm out